Science STAAR Vocabulary

Which statement correctly describes the Sun's apparent movement across the sky?

• As Earth spins on its axis, it makes the Sun appear to move across the sky.

• As the Sun spins around Earth, it moves across the sky.

• Earth rotates around the Sun every 24 hours, making the Sun appear to move across the sky. 

• The Sun rotates around Earth every 12 hours, making the Sun appear to move across the sky. 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of these is the best conductor of electricity? (5.5A)

• Glass rod

• Cotton string

• Plastic tubing

• Copper penny

A student reads the label on the bottle of salad dressing shown here. Why would the student shake the salad dressing well before using it? (5.5A)

• Vinegar and oil have different densities.

• Vinegar and oil easily form a solution.

• Vinegar and oil both contain water.

• Vinegar and oil are both liquids.

A student plugs a hot plate into an outlet and turns on the hot plate to melt the ice. Complete the example to identify another object that used the same source of energy as the hot plate.

Drag and drop the correct answer in each box.

​ ​ (a)   ​ using ​ (b)   energy.

• toaster

• electrical

• light

• prism

• plant

• sound

A campfire, fireworks, and a burning candle all produce which forms of energy?

Select TWO correct answers.

• Mechanical Energy

• Thermal energy

• Light energy

• Solar energy

• Electrical energy

When light travels through air into a prism, it bends and separates into many colors. In which other situation does light bend? (5.6C)

• When light moves through air into water

• When light hits a wall

• When light passes through outer space

• When light hits a mirror

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

The picture shows a child standing in a swimming pool. Why does the lower part of the child appear so much different in size from the upper part? (5.6C)

• The light rays that travel through water and then into air are refracted.

• The light rays that travel through water and then into air are enlarged.

• The light rays that travel through air and then into water are reflected.

• The light rays that travel through air and then into water are reduced.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

The model above shows layers of sediment on an ocean floor. Which of the following can explain how these layers can become rock over many years?

• sand in the sediment melts and turns into rock

• weight of the water compacts the sediment into rock

• changing water temperatures turn sand in the sediment into rock

• pollution caused by humans turns sediment into rock

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Students make a model to show first step in formation of sedimentary rock. They pour 2 cm of light colored sand into a clear plastic box. They add 1 cm of gravel. Finally they pour 2 cm of dark colored sand on top of gravel. Which characteristic of sedimentary rock does this model show?

• Sedimentary rock is made of layers

• Sedimentary rock is made of cemented bits of rock

• Sedimentary rock is often limestone

• Sedimentary rock is often common in Texas.

A canyon with tall, vertical sides is shown. Which of the following most likely led to the formation of this canyon?

• Rapidly moving water

• A hurricane

• Burrowing animals

• Volcanic activity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4